Barney Frank Rick Warren Statement: "Very Disappointed"

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), one of only three openly gay members of the House of Representatives, released a statement harshly criticizing Barack Obama's decision to have Rev. Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inauguration:

"I am very disappointed by President-elect Barack Obama's decision to honor Reverend Rick Warren with a prominent role in his inauguration. Religious leaders obviously have every right to speak out in opposition to anti-discrimination measures, even in the degrading terms that Rev. Warren has used with regard to same-sex marriage. But that does not confer upon them the right to a place of honor in the inauguration ceremony of a president whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won him the strong support of the great majority of those who support that cause.

"It is irrelevant that Rev. Warren invited Senator Obama to address his congregation, since he extended an equal invitation to Senator McCain. Furthermore, the President-Elect has not simply invited Rev. Warren to give a speech as part of a series in which various views are presented. The selection of a member of the clergy to occupy this uniquely elevated position has always been considered a mark of respect and approval by those who are being inaugurated."

And Joe Solmonese, the president of Human Rights Watch, wrote in the Washington Post Friday about his own disappointment:

It is difficult to comprehend how our president-elect, who has been so spot on in nearly every political move and gesture, could fail to grasp the symbolism of inviting an anti-gay theologian to deliver his inaugural invocation. And the Obama campaign's response to the anger about this decision? Hey, we're also bringing a gay marching band. You know how the gays love a parade.

Yes, the Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of the humongous, evangelical Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif., has a sound message on poverty. And certainly, in the world of politics, there is a view that Barack Obama owes Warren for bringing him before fellow evangelicals, despite fierce opposition during the heat of the presidential campaign.

But here's the other thing about Warren, the author of the bestselling book "The Purpose Driven Life": He was a general in the campaign to pass California's Proposition 8, which dissolved the legal marriage rights of loving, committed same-sex couples.

For that reason, inviting Warren to set the tone at the dawn of this new presidency sends a chilling message to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. It makes us uncertain about this exciting, young president-elect who has said repeatedly that we are part of his America, too.

Comments

[mollyjackson]

"Barney Frank (D-MA), one of only three openly gay members of the House of Representatives, released a statement harshly criticizing Barack Obama's decision to have Rev. Rick Warren ..."

Barney symbolizes everything that is wrong in Washington. Obama's term will be judged on how he deals with these theives.

[StillIRise]

lizziekw: The Presidential Inauguration is a ceremony for ALL Americans. Although Obama is a Democrat and Democrats are largely responsible for his election, this is no more of an inauguration just for Democrats than Obama will be a President just for Democrats! He will be a President for America, for all Americans, including those he disagrees with, those we disagree with and those who disagree with him! Unlike Bush, he will respect and honor his responsibility to serve ALL of the people in our nation - not just Democrats, not just left-wingers, not just gays and not just the people, of whatever persuasion, who are just carbon copies of himself. Obama has shown throughout the campaign and since his election that his purpose is to transform politics as usual and the way we see ourselves and others in relationship to our worldview. Not to compromise our core values, but to find the common ground from which we can begin the dialogue and the will to move forward as one nation. Warren's 2-3 minute prayer at Obama's inauguration will do more to effectuate a change in Warren's thinking than it will effect any of us. Yet, it will be Lowery's powerful and inspirational benediction at the closing of the ceremony that will set the spiritual tone of Obama's presidency and the wisdom that will guide him.

Obama is indeed OUR President and it will indeed be OUR celebration of his inauguration ... but by OUR, I mean ALL Americans!

[AshleyMarie]

You nailed it...

Until people realize that this isn't about any one person, their position or their agenda, they are going to be very disappointed. Obama simply isn't going to sit around and wait for all of these people to catch up. Times are changing and so it this country! Enjoy it!

[soulinit]

I agree wholeheartedly!

[BlueberryJane]

Beautifully, stated StillIRise!

[broezekiel]

Hey--he could've asked Ted Haggard. He's out of the closet now!

[thegeniesez]

STOP ATTACKING EACH OTHER. WE ARE NOT ENEMIES HERE. IF WE GO AFTER EACH OTHER'S THROATS THEN WE ARE PLAYING INTO BARNEY'S POLITICAL SHENANIGANS AND WARREN MUST BE ENJOYING THIS TO DEATH.

UNITED WE STAND. DIVIDED WE FALL.

[Draino]

HuffPost's Pick

I cannot express how disappointed I am that Barak Obama has selected Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. I am equally dumbfounded at his explanation that this is a decision of inclusion. While I will not equate evangelicals to the KKK or Islamic terrorists, the rigid inflexibility of their beliefs and their devout intolerance toward certain oppressed segments of our society have painful similarities. This event is supposed to be the culmination of a 150-year war against hatred and intolerance, the wounds of which I thought might finally be healed by this president.

I fear that Barak feels comfortable with the views shared by many of the church's (black & white) in this country; church's that teach intolerance and the "sins" of homosexuality. It is ironic that, as a black man in America, Barak is still able to act like the old white guy he ran against and impart this same intolerance on the GLBT community.

I donated to Obama's campaign, I voted for him. I got everyone I knew to vote for him. Now his Presidency has all but lost its appeal to me. After eight years of Compassionate Conservatism’s war on the gay community, this is our reward??? If Barak goes ahead with this and doesn't immediately do something to show that he actually believes the rights of ALL Americans (including GLBT), he will forever lose my respect, my support, and my hope. His next book,: "The Audacity of Intolerance".

[harriscrl3]

You all want him to be a HYPOCRITE like you are. Thats all it is and he is not. You want him to bring peace around the world using diplomacy listening to other countries but he is suppose to practice intolerance at home. Thats a HYPOCRITE. The problem for some of you he is genuine through and through. He believes in leading by example listening when he doesnt agree. EXACTLY what you wanted him to do with countries like Iran, Syria. Youre jumping on him because he cant parcel himself out to please you he cant pick and chose who to listen to that if someone extends a hand to him when they didnt have to he can do the same. That people are not all evil that there is good in people that we find that common ground. Is this all familiar to you.

THIS IS THE GUY YOU VOTED FOR!!! And now you are upset because he is NOT a Hypocrite. His actions and words actually stand for something.

Carol

[overlyelectrical]

uh
this presidency hasn't even started yet

and I think it's wishful thinking (who doesn't love to be oppressed after all?) to think that this somehow counts as Obama "[imparting] the same intolerance on the GLBT community," or to suggest that he is somehow intolerant. To make that sort of leap, despite what he has said on the matter, suggest either an actual desire for that to be the case or a complete inability to see things otherwise than in black and white

[drsmc41]

That would be a great title for him...he can discuss how intolerant people are of other views, like many of the posters here. It amazes me that people can turn their backs so soon. He has not even begun his Presidency. ..."Now his Presidency has all but lost its appeal to me." "Your reward?" Are you kidding me?

[AshleyMarie]

For one, it's Barack Obama.

For two, this movement to change Washington has nothing to do with the liberal agenda! Sure, as a liberal, I think it would be nice, but I recognize that this is about changing Washington.

It's just a prayer... you'll get over it!

All these people who are just WAITING to be let down are very hard to deal with! Let the man take the oath before you become so cynical that you think change isn't possible!

[swo68]

"While I will not equate evangelicals to the KKK or Islamic terrorists"

And then you go on to make the comparison. Ok.

[woodcut]

"Everyone just CALM DOWN!!!" -- I'll bet most of those saying this are straight.
People told Rosa Parks to chill out, too.
Gay people are angry!!

[lizziekw]

Straight people are angry too and we stand with the GLBT community on this issue.

And let us not forget that Pastor Rick is actively anti-choice and actively anti-science. There is more than one reason to oppose this clown being honored at our inaugural celebration.

[woodcut]

Thank you for support. I (we) do need it & appreciate you.
I didn't write clearly - I meant that I doubt many TBLG people are yelling for us to be quiet.

[llstudent]

I am not gay and I am pissed off at Obama for this choice of Warren-it is disgusting and pathetic. Warren is a hate-monger and Obama should be ashamed of himself.

[sonomarc]

Straight people are angry, too. This is not a matter of policy differences. This is a matter of human rights, fundamental equality, and separation of church and state. Obama's basic understanding of this appears to be lacking. Of course he has his 1st term to prove otherwise, but this is a very poor 1st step.

[poco767c]

BORED!!!! isn't someone being indicted somewhere?

[llstudent]

Not the point!

[Hnorc]

Barney is what is wrong with DC. Obama is going to embarass relics like him.

[lizziekw]

Don't kid yourself, you're certainly not kidding me. The President-elect needs Barney Frank's skill, seniority and experience to get his agenda through the House. And he knows it, too. That's why he will be on the phone trying to fix the damage this blunder has caused. And he won't be waiting around until next week to call Representative Frank, either. He'll do it today if he hasn't done it already.

[thegeniesez]

TRUST ME, BARNEY HAS AN AGENDA TOO.

[llstudent]

You sound like a homophobe to me. You go Barney Frank. Obama is no saint people, he is a politician as they all are and I voted for him and still am for him but this decision was dead wrong.

[gaelfire]

Sweet christ, people. THE GUY IS SAYING A PRAYER, HE'S NOT A CABINET PICK!!!

Everyone just CALM DOWN!!!

[raye1]

Here Here!!

[BarackstarObama]

Absolutely, I'm watching for three things on Jan. 20... the swearing in of Joe Biden, the swearing in of Barack Obama and Obama's Inaugural Address.

[andrewbown]

Amen

[Phoebe917]

exactly !! i don't give a rat's *ss who gives the prayer. jeremiah wright would be actually kind of fun.

[llstudent]

I do, it is symbolic and it does matter to those who are truly progressive.

[thegeniesez]

DITTO!

[Retrofuturistic]

There shouldn't even BE a prayer. Religion has no place in our government. Especially not evangelical fundamentalism, which is so far to the right that it's fascist.

[wendy31]

THANK YOU!! There shouldn't even be a prayer. Exactly, thank you thank you thank you.

[raye1]

Barney needs to sit down and S*T*F*U* !!! He is always going on about something lately! Its because of Dems like him , that we have had such a hard time in the past getting our agenda through!

So many of us complain about how America is not a Christian country, but a country that is inclusive of all religious/ non religious point of views . We don't have to agree, but we should at least show the other side the same compassion and understanding that we would expect in return.

If Barack would have had only African Americans in his cabinet or in the Swearing in Ceremony , people would be complaining about that as well.

As I understand it , he has also included some sort of gay marching band . And will more than likely have two openly gay people in his cabinet. By sending your energy to this two to three minute prayer is truly a waste of time. We need to start to try to change hearts and minds at the local level. We have work to do as well!

Barney Frank has done a terrible job lately , so he has other issues he needs to focus on! This is a non issue!

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[lizziekw]

"Its because of Dems like him , that we have had such a hard time in the past getting our agenda through!"

Clearly, you know nothing about Barney Frank and nothing about what has gone on in American politics for the 27 years that Representative Frank has tirelessly worked for Democrats and the Democratic agenda in the House.

Everyone's entitled to blather on with their uninformed opinions but seriously, you'd do well to educate yourself a little bit first.

[raye1]

I am educated my dear and I have my own informed opinions , thank you very much!

As far as blathering goes on, there is no need to start insulting me personally! I am a US Citizen and a tax payer and I do not have to agree with everyone and everything my party says or does.

Its called Freedom of Speech! Learn to love it! Next......­..........­.....

[llstudent]

Why are people on this site badmouthing Barney Frank, he is right on the money. Barak Obama is not a saint, he is dead wrong with the decision to put Warren in his inauguration. Warren is a bigot, period.

[thegeniesez]

thanx raye1. You get it.

[wendy31]

I disagree. I think Barney Frank has done an excellent job, he always says something good. The statement he made was totally fine and well said.

[hbw3]

Please set aside 45 minutes within the next couple of days.

Visit a friend of yours who is gay and say to their face that this is a, how did you put it, oh, yes, "a non-issue" because "he has also included some sort of gay marching band."

Go ahead. I see you really care about this issue.

[Kiel]

The cabinet posts didn't go to them.

All we get is a marching band, ... oh, and abuse.

Would you let David Duke give the invocation?

[loveobamas]

why do democrats like barney frank fat self have chip on they shoulders against president obama,every person obama picks frank always say "he's disappoint­ed".i really don't get it maybe they just envy our wonderful new president.

[mergina]

Of ALL the loving, educated, inspirational, bring ALL people together humans on the planet, HE chooses this WRETCH. Has washington warped him even before moving there yet?

[hollybork]

Ha! You and I agree completely. Such a disappointment. Such a missed opportunity to give the platform to someone whose prayer would be a blessing.

[Retrofuturistic]

Yes. He could have asked Barry Lynn, for example.

[wendy31]

I agree. There are about 1.5 million Americans that would have made a better pick (and few that would have made a worse one!)

[AlKhateeb]

Since Pres.-elec­t Obama has essentially the same views on homosexual marriage as Warren I suppose he should also disinvite himself from the inauguration? You homosexuals and homophiliacs ( see Urban Dicitionary) miss the point: Aren't Warren and his congregation American's as well? Or maybe Mr. Obama is only President of the American's who voted for him? Or maybe you folks weren't listening to Pres.-elec­t Obama during the campaign or thought, "Oh well he really only means that stuff about all inclusiveness when it comes to us." Ever heard the words "New Politics", or "Change"? Exclusion is wrong when other folks do it but right when you advocate for it. So get over it, Pres.-elec­t Obama won conclusively and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it now (15 December is past - Electoral College has already met.). Hey, I got an idea maybe he should have invited Rev. Wright instead! BTW in almost every state non-America homophobes are voting to restrict or outright ban homosexual marriage. And if you want to point to interracial marriage as analogue ask yourself this: In how many states would an amendment to ban inter-racial marriage pass, not once but twice? (41 of the 50 States either ban or hold homosexual marriage not legal, in none of those has there been a movement to ban interracial marriage since after the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia 1967).

[harriettubman]

There's no chiling message to anyone. Barney doesn't need to be disappointed in Obama either. He needs to go back and assess how he let our economy go down the drain. Afer all, he's chair of House Financial Services. Stop worrying about who's performing a 2 min. prayer and do your job.

[raye1]

My thoughts exactly! Thank you for your commentary!!!

[wendy31]

I think Frank has done a good job. Espec. considering the mess that he's been dealing with.

[llstudent]

Give me a break, you Barney bashers, are you really progressive democrats or do you really believe Obama is a saint he is not---he is a politician. There are a lot more people that are dissappointed with Obama's decision than just Barney Frank. Quit bashing Frank because you cannot defend Obama's decision on this one.

[Eugenian]

Barack Obama is a wonderful person, and I feel he will be an exceptional president, possibly one of our greatest. He has that potential. He inspires us to take the high road, whereas we have been dragged for the last eight years to the lowest, scummiest road in existence.
It is amazing how people on this blog have taken the opportunity to bash gays and lesbians. It is also amazing to sense the undertones of zealots, who will support anything their candidate promotes. The candidate himself invites us to send him our thoughts about his presidency and the government, because he believes it is our government and we are in this together.
I am not gay or lesbian, but I personally am offended by the idea of a manipulative, judgmental, narrow-minded, bigoted, power hungry person inviting the American public and the world to be a part of the Obama presidency. For me it mars an otherwise beautiful, almost miraculous phenomenon.
This doesn't mean I don't support the agenda Barack Obama has outlined from the primaries on. I am optimistic he will try his best to follow through on his agenda. I admire him greatly for publicly saying he supports gay and lesbian rights and a woman's right to choose. I can't help but be disappointed that the inauguration will begin with someone who embodies intolerance in such a big way.

[Natalie4Obama]

Clap clap... exactly!

The issue hasn't made me *hate* Obama, it just sucks as it marrs a day that belonged to the left - our moment after 8 years of ignorance.

I understand Obama is trying to be 'inclusive' but there is no need to be accomodating to ignorance.

The way Rick Warren has talked about the LGC is downright homophobic and shouldn't be part of such a historic day.

If his focus is truly on helping those with AIDS then he should concentrate his fundraising on that matter, not stripping the rights from a group of Americans who weren't hurting anyone by getting married.

Civil unions do not offer the same rights and immigration rights for gays are so non existent that couples end up having to break the law just to be together. Sad.

[wendy31]

So well put. My thoughts too. Thank you.

[llstudent]

Right on you said it all. I agree.

[CatMan2]

I guess Obama is trying to show people in the religious right that, while he has fundamental disagreements with them, he will still be their president, and will listen to them and treat them as human beings. (Incidentally, I would be shocked if Warren were to say anything the least bit provocative at the inaugurati­on.)

I'm not so worried about the inauguration; it's what Obama manages to accomplish in the next four years that is important to me. We have a world on the brink of ecological collapse, a world-wide economic crisis, and the US is presently crippled by many years of incompetent and corrupt leadership and by the exhaustion of its treasury.

Just as some here see this person, Warren, as somebody who is or should be anathema to their (lefty) cause, we should understand that to people who may actually like the guy, any number of moderates that Obama might have chosen instead might be seen as hateful baby killers.

Somehow, if we are going to deal with the overwhelming problems ahead, we do have to have a dialog in the country. And just maybe Obama is taking the first real steps toward having that happen.

You are right: Obama is an inspiration. As such, he inspires me to have hope. And my hope is that we can come together and at least treat each other with decency while working to solve the critical problems of the day.